Where the world gathers for
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




-----

TIG WELD OF GALVANISED STEEL - SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

2003

I am investigating the health and safety requirements needed to protect welders and associated colleagues who will/may come into contact with welding fumes associated to TIG Weld of galvanised steel. Although ventilation is a fundamental requirement should I be considering other needs in the form of closed booths, air flow, breathing apparatus. What about individuals outsides of booths?

Kevin Barber
- Ipswich, Suffolk, England

---

2003

TIG welding is extremely slow relative to arc welding, so your exposure is correspondently lower. Ventilation should be exhausted and the make up air from the rear or side rear of the welder. If exhausted, there is very very little effect on people outside the booth. In the USA, they put a "sniffer" on the welder for an entire day and actually measure the amount of metal that he is exposed to. You should not have a significant problem if there is a rudimentary exhaust system that is effective.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida